Explore South Africa

Introduction to South Africa
At the tip of the African continent, South Africa is famous for its diverse culture. Discover Zulu and Xhosa tribal traditions and hear locals speaking 11 official languages as you move between cosmopolitan cities and nature reserves. IHG’s varied accommodations include affordable and upscale options in Johannesburg and a family-friendly Cape Town hotel.

Currency
South African rand (ZAR, R)

Official languages
English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga

Climate
Temperate with short, mild winters and low rainfall. Average high temperature 82°F, average low 45°F.

Arriving from the airport
O.R. Tambo International Airport is around 12 miles northeast of central Johannesburg. Cape Town International Airport is 12 miles east of the city center. Travel time is 20–30 minutes by taxi (average R350).

Getting around South Africa

• Passenger trains
• Intercity buses
• Metered taxis
• Gautrain commuter rail in Gauteng
• MyCiti bus service in Cape Town

Top South Africa sightseeing

• Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
• Robben Island tour led by former political prisoners
• Kruger National Park
• Vredefort Dome, a 2-billion-year-old impact crater

Top experiences

• Cable car up Table Mountain
• Shopping at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
• Wine tasting in Western Cape
• KwaZulu-Natal beaches
• Whale watching at Hermanus